2am start for show devotees

DEVOTED Game of Thrones fans tuned in at 2am yesterday for the first episode of the final series – but the timing proved too much for one of its British stars.

Former Hollyoaks actress Nathalie Emmanuel, who plays Missandei, wrote online: ‘I’m off to bed because I have work tomorrow ... and I can’t really survive a day’s work on no sleep.’

Having seen the first episode twice already, the 30-year-old assured viewers they were ‘in for a treat’.

Those less concerned about appearing bleary-eyed in the office – and others happy to pull a sickie – were able to see the programme on Sky Atlantic at the same time it was shown in the US, hence the early-hours slot.

For the benefit of Miss Emmanuel (among others), Sky repeated the episode 17 hours later – at a more suitable 9pm.